Michigan State quarterback Joe Boisture has decided to leave the team, SpartanMag.com has learned. Boisture was a highly rated quarterback who signed with the Spartans last year as part of the class of 2010.

Boisture released the following statement about his decision exclusively to SpartanMag.com:

"It is in my best interest that I have decided to leave the Michigan State football program," Boisture said. "I love the university, my teammates, the medical staff and most of all Coach Dantonio. Coach D truly cares about me and all of his players off the field as well as on the field.

"I have the utmost respect for him as a coach and person and wish him and the Spartans nothing but success."

Boisture redshirted in 2010, serving as the No. 3 quarterback on the depth chart. If Boisture had stayed, he would have been behind senior Kirk Cousins and sophomore Andrew Maxwell this fall, with incoming freshman Connor Cook also reporting.

Boisture signed with MSU last winter and enrolled early. He participated in spring practice and completed 8-of-14 passes (.571) for 69 yards in three spring scrimmages.

Boisture came to MSU ranked the No. 18 pro style high school quarterback prospect in the nation and the No. 7 player in Michigan by Rivals.com.